St. Martin & St. Barth: Maximum alert Sep. 19 due to Hurricane Maria /update 2

Event

Hurricane Maria, now a Category 5 storm (on a scale of 1 to 5), was located approximately 175-190 km (110-120 mi) south of the islands of Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin as of 11:00 (local time) on Tuesday, September 19. Maria is expected to remain a major hurricane as it passes south of the islands on Tuesday without making landfall. The French meteorological agency, Météo France, will officially place both islands under a “purple” storm alert, the highest on a three-tier scale, at noon on Tuesday; all people on the islands should shelter in place before the purple alert comes into effect. The US-based National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane watches - meaning hurricane conditions are possible - for both islands.

Rainfall of over 10 cm (4 in) is likely along with storm surges; as such, dangerous flooding is possible in coastal areas and along waterways. Damaging winds are also to be expected, along with power outages, water cuts, transportation disruptions, and business/store closures in the hours and days following the storm’s passage. 

Context

Earlier this month Hurricane Irma, also a Category 5 storm, struck the islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy, resulting in major damage. Conditions on both islands remain critical and are likely to be further aggravated by Maria.

As a reminder, a nightly curfew remains in effect for Saint Martin between 19:00 and 06:00. The order is expected to remain in place until at least the morning of September 21.

Advice

Individuals present in Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy are advised to follow all instructions issued by the local authorities, keep abreast of weather forecasts and alerts, and avoid coastal and mountainous areas (risk of flooding and landslides).

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and foodstuffs discarded.